Originally Posted by
tods27
Sounds like they are ultimately looking to get rid of the customs forms handed out on the plane by having them filled out at the kiosks. I'm not sure if this ultimately would reduce lines or even agent staffing if everyone has to still see an agent.
I have only had to see an agent when using GE at IAH (not just the X, but everyone using the GE kiosks has to see an agent). At DEN and ORD, you just walk on to baggage and customs.
With APC, isn't it that each CBP officer is on average supposed to be able to clear/direct passengers at a far faster pace per hour of their work than would otherwise be the case in a more traditional setting? The idea would be the same as with the airlines: make the passengers to do more and more of your employees work so you can reallocate resources and reduce clutter.
I can't see them doing a massive headcount reduction anytime soon because of this. National paranoia is too deep and widespread to allow for much of that to happen anytime soon.